Tributes to Steve Pratt, York journalist and theatre critic

Steve Pratt, of Monk Avenue, York, passed away at York Hospital on January 15 at the age of 77.

During his career, Steve was a journalist, columnist and theatre, film and television critic and press officer. He will be remembered for his dedication and talent, for being a passionate ally of the region's theatre community, for his 'fabulous' sense of humour - and his sparkly shoes.

Steve's funeral will be held today, Wednesday, January 28, at York Crematorium.

Born in Watford on April 22, 1948, he was educated at Garston Primary School and Bushey Grammar School, where he met Lesley when she was 16, Steve two years older.

The childhood sweethearts were married on June 24, 1972, at Christ Church, Watford, by the same vicar that married Lesley’s parents.

Steve Pratt in his days as entertainment editor at The Northern Echo, Darlington

Steve went straight from A-level studies to taking out indentures at the Watford Post, where, as a junior, he was tasked with collecting death notices from undertakers.

He went on to work for the Herts Advertiser, Watford Observer, Northern Echo, in Darlington and Portsmouth News, before returning to the Northern Echo from 1999 to 2014, winning two Tom Corder awards for best arts writer.

“His passion for writing goes back to his early years and he used to cut up magazines and create his own version,” recalled Lesley, who “bounced up and down the country with Stephen before we finally landed in York, where we felt at home”.

“There were so many famous people he interviewed as he covered lots of press junkets for films and television.”

Among those celluloid star interviewees were Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leslie Nielsen, Leslie Phillips and Angelina Jolie.

“He always went on about his photo with her,” recalled Lesley.

One knight of the realm eluded him, however.

“Stephen was refused twice by Sir Alec Guinness for an interview, once in 1997 and again in 1999,” said Lesley. “I have the original handwritten cards Sir Alec sent him: very polite but a ‘No’ nevertheless.”

Nigel Burton, editor of The Press, who worked with Steve on The Northern Echo, said: “He was a superb features writer, someone who would always tackle any job – no matter how outlandish – with a smile and good humour.

“He was an internationally-respected critic and his reviews were eagerly awaited by film distributors and theatres alike. Most of all, I will remember him as a much-missed colleague and a lovely human being.”

Peter Barron, former editor of The Northern Echo, said: “I was so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a gifted writer of a national standard and I always considered The Northern Echo to be very lucky to have him.

“He brought great quality to the paper, with a wry, humorous style and his passion for the arts always shone through. It is also telling that the arts community knew him and respected his opinion. A positive review from Steve Pratt in The Northern Echo really meant something, while a scathing review was to be feared. He was prolific, loved his craft, and the many awards he won were testament to his talent.”

Chris Lloyd, features editor at The Northern Echo, who was Steve’s manager for many years, said: “Steve knew the stars, he interviewed them all, usually cheekily, and they remembered and respected him.

"He was, I think, a great ally of the region’s theatre community, forever supporting and promoting it, and I was in awe of the way he wrote so quickly, so cleanly, and always with a humorous glint in his words.”

On leaving The Northern Echo, Steve switched to the other side of the press desk as press officer at Leeds Playhouse and later York Theatre Royal (YTR).

Theatre Royal creative director Juliet Forster said: "The whole team here are incredibly saddened by the news of Steve's death. His relationship with YTR goes back such a long time, both as a reviewer and staff member and then as a freelancer.

“His dedication and passion to unearthing the stories of this theatre and championing the arts in Yorkshire was truly outstanding. Press nights will not be the same without his sparkly shoes and fabulous sense of humour. We will miss him very much."

Chief executive officer Paul Crewes added: "Steve's death is such a terrible loss to York's theatre community and his YTR family are all devastated by this news. He was a much-loved friend and colleague and we will miss him.

“Steve was a first-class journalist and press officer who cared deeply about, and was very successful at, shining a light on the arts in York and beyond.”

Latterly, Steve took up the publicity officer’s post for York company NE Theatre York, whose chair and creative director, Steve Tearle, said: “Steve crafted and created press releases for the company perfectly like only Steve could do.

"He was a wonderfully gifted, talented man with time for everyone, and had such a fantastic personality. He was such an asset to the team and totally believed in what we stood for.

“I really valued Steve as a person and his passion for theatre. It’s with such a heavy heart I say this. We spoke last November at length about 2026 and as usual he was so excited to be supporting us. He will be sadly missed by the NE Theatre York team.”

From his days at Leeds Playhouse, Steve’s brighter-than-Hawaiian shirts became his trademark.

“As a child he was dressed very soberly, but when he found his feet at Leeds, the flamboyant side came out, but he did need guidance, so I have to admit it was my fault,” said Lesley, recalling his collection of 30 such shirts. “Please feel free to come to the funeral in bright colours.”

One last memory from Lesley defined his role as a critic.

“Getting Stephen to give you a verbal opinion was not easy,” she said. “He would always say ‘read the review’.”

We did, line after line, time after time.